In a decisive move to enhance consumer safety, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), led by Commissioner Oh Yu-gyeong, has revised and announced the enforcement of the Cosmetics Act enforcement regulations as of March 31.

This new protocol, effective April 2, aims to impose stricter safety management measures on cosmetics purchased from overseas, a rapidly growing segment of the Korean beauty market.

This revision comes in light of amendments to the Cosmetics Act—which are set to take effect on April 1, 2025, and April 2, 2026—which require the provision of information regarding imported cosmetics that pose risks or have the potential to cause harm.

The adjustments aim to close existing gaps in safety oversight for these products, which are increasingly accessed by consumers through cross-border e-commerce.

Key changes include: 1) Publishing information on cosmetics purchased abroad that have been associated with or are suspected to be linked to safety issues; 2) Implementing verification inspections for required labels and specifications of imported cosmetics, alongside rigorous physicochemical and microbiological analyses; and 3) Conducting demographic assessments, including surveys and studies on consumer behaviors, such as the age and gender of purchasers, usage patterns, and recorded adverse cases related to these products.

The MFDS has made clear its commitment to establishing a safety management framework akin to that of domestically distributed cosmetics, particularly for imported items that raise safety concerns or capture consumer attention.

Consumers are urged to exercise caution and diligently review product details, including ingredient lists and expiration dates, prior to purchase.

As global cross-border e-commerce continues to expand, the implications for brands and buyers in the beauty supply chain are profound.

The stringent regulatory landscape underscores the necessity for manufacturers and distributors to ensure compliance in their products to mitigate risks and enhance consumer trust.

Companies navigating this evolving landscape must adapt their strategies to align with regulatory expectations while maintaining competitive advantage in a complex marketplace.

Establishing robust quality control measures and transparent communication will be paramount to thriving in the international beauty sector, as consumer safety becomes an increasingly pivotal concern worldwide.